(Closed) Videographer. Worth it? Or not so much?

I seriously love those tear jerking wedding videos on youtube. They are always so stunning and make be bawl my eyes out and I really like the IDEA of having a quick video like that of my wedding. (I don’t think I would EVER watch back anything longer than 5 minutes though)

It is about $1000 for a videographer though. We are working with a very small budget and I cannot decide if a 5 minute video like I would want is worth that!!!

I would love to hear any experiences from those of you who did/didn’t get a videographer and if you were happy with your choice.

I wanted a video, but didn’t want to spend any extra, so I found a videographer who will film the entire ceremony, but just the ceremony, not the reception. He’s giving me the edited footage of the whole thing, so 20-30 minutes for just $450. Maybe that would be an option for you?

We shopped around and found someone who worked within our budget. She provided four hours of service for $500-600. I love our video as othe day goes by way too fast. You could also look at hiring a student who is starting out they will work for much less than a well known videographer. Especially if you are only looking for five minute outcome

@freshflowers: I’m definitely getting a videographer but I want a full length one (I know some people don’t see the need thats fine) but I watch my parents 2 hour video back ALL the time and still laugh/cry and love reliving it (I have very young parents, I was 18 when they got married) I know I’ll feel the same way about mine. However we’re not spending much more than you’ve quoted and that’s for full length.. I feel like that’s a bit much if you only want a 5 minute clip? But i’m not speaking from experience, so maybe not!

Most videographers will give you that 5 min highlight reel, but they also include much more for the price. And you can also request certain videos, or for the unedited footage. I think they are worht it if you are having a huge wedding and want to see a lot of detail from it. If it is a small occasion, I would just stick with a photographer.

I’m not married yet, I had the same question, when I look at all the amazing wedding videos/ love stories, that really sealed the deal for me. Get someone who knows your peronality and who is going to capture your story like you want.

@freshflowers: Well, I’ll start by saying $1,000 is a phenomenal price for videography… for the amount of work they do, they really SHOULD be charging the same as photographers (or more). For me, however, it just wasn’t worth it for my wedding. I needed the extra funds to afford my rockstar photographer, and knew I woulnd’t be able to afford the caliber of videographer I needed anyway to fit my style. Just my 2 cents.

@freshflowers: We absolutely LOVE our video…. the videographer did such a wonderful job and even added the guest in it to say something sweet to us which we didn’t know about. My husband and I watched the video for our one year anniversary and we are going to make that a tradition… That and if we ever get to a low point in our marriage (hope not), we will watch it and remind of us of that moment that was one of the happiest days of our lives….

Also, sad to say my mom past away in November…a little over a year after our wedding and she is on the video dancing, making a wedding speech, etc…. and I will ALWAYS have that…..

@freshflowers: I plan on making videographer a low priority. I have some friends that I know wouldn’t mind filming around the reception, taking turns of shots, etc. I don’t think you need professional videos. Just try to get someone that gets a lot of footage and then you can edit it yourself

I have the video of my first wedding in 1989, and I don’t regret it. Precious memories that cannot be replaced, and some dear people who are no longer with us. Even though I am no longer married to him, it’s a happy time to share with our daughter when her mom and dad were young and in love. Go for it!